Mullumbimby – Brunswick Heads – Ocean Shores

North Coast

Sub-tropical Mullumbimby is known for its a laid-back, alternative lifestyle. The nearby coastal towns of Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores are within easy reach of Mullumbimby.

B Grouping

MMM5

Location

Mullumbimby is located 21 km (25 min drive) north west of Byron Bay, 40km (35 min drive) north of the regional centre of Ballina, 150 km (105 min drive) from Brisbane and 770 km (8.5 hr drive) from Sydney.

Mullumbimby is located on the Brunswick River, in the beautiful northern rivers hinterland, and is home to eclectic festivals and markets. The town of Ocean Shores is located to the north of the Brunswick River ocean entrance, and Brunswick Heads is located to the south.

How to get there

The closest regional airport is Ballina/Byron Bay airport, which is less than 45 km (within 35 min drive) from the three towns. A number of airlines operate from the airport, offering direct flights to Sydney, Newcastle and Melbourne.

Population

Ocean Shores is the larger of the three towns being home to more than 4,000 people. The median age of residents is 45 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up nearly 3% of the population. Mullumbimby is home to more than 3,000 people and the median age of residents is 46 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up nearly 2% of the population. While the smaller of the three towns Brunswick Heads is home to more than 1,500 people and the median age of residents is 49 years. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up nearly 3% of the population.

Healthcare facilities

The closest hospital to Brunswick Heads, Ocean Shores and Mullumbimby is Byron Central Hospital, which is less than 15 min drive. It is a new purpose built, level 2 hospital. The hospital provides a range of acute and sub-acute inpatient services. It has fewer than 50 beds and provides aged care, cancer care unit, Emergency Department, general medical, pathology, palliative care and medical imaging.

There is a NSW Ambulance Service station in Mullumbimby.

Accredited GP practices

Brunswick Heads Medical Centre

Meadows Medical Centre

Mullumbimby Medical Centre

Ocean Shores Medical Centre

Industry

The major industry sectors employing residents of Ocean Shores and Mullumbimby are similar, with residents primarily employed in hospitals, other social assistance services, cafes and restaurants, supermarket and grocery stores and aged care residential services. Residents of Brunswick Heads are also employed in accommodation and local government services.

Childcare

Across the three towns there are childcare options including long day care, family day care, preschool and out of school hours care.

Shopping

Mullumbimby is home to a Woolworths supermarket, numerous specialty and boutique retail stores and cafes and restaurants. Ocean Shores Shopping Centre includes a Coles supermarket, Target Country and independent retail stores, cafes and restaurants. There is an IGA supermarket in Brunswick Heads More extensive shopping opportunities are available in the nearby regional centre of Ballina.

Places of worship

There are a number of places of worship located in Mullumbimby, Ocean Shores and Brunswick Heads including Baptist, Catholic, Uniting and Jehavahs Winesses churches. The nearest mosque is in Lismore less than an hour drive from Mullumbimby, and the closest Budhist temple is in Byron Bay.

Points of interest

Mullumbimby is known for its mix of rural and alternative lifestyles. It is a great base for exploring the beautiful hinterland and rainforests, and enjoying the local health retreats. The weekly Mullumbimby Farmers Market shows off produce from the area, it's a popular community event that includes entertainment. Brunswick Heads' location makes it a mecca for river and beach-based activities including surfing, swimming, fishing and boating. The town of Ocean Shores was established in 1969 as a residential area surrounding its golf course, it has become popular due to it beautiful beaches and surrounding nature reserves. Local events can be found at byronbay.com.

Sporting activities

There is a large range of sporting facilities and sporting clubs in the Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores area including: AFL, soccer, cricket, rugby union, netball, rugby league, golf, tennis, swimming and board riding. Sports facilities are listed at Byron Shire Council.

Community groups and activities

In the Mullumbimby, Brunswick Heads and Ocean Shores area community groups and volunteer organisations include the Brunswick Valley and District Rescue Association, View Club, Country Women’s Association, Byron Environment Centre and Byron Music Group. The Byron Bay community directory provides a listing of local groups and their contact details.

Further information

While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.